Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas, recovering firearms, live cartridges, suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms.
The operations, carried out by different tactical units of the command, are part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism, kidnapping and the spread of illegal firearms across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, arrested two suspects during a covert operation in Alisheme Community, Ika South Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, were arrested on September 18 following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related and kidnapping activities.
Police said the suspects admitted during preliminary investigation that they are members of the NBM Confraternity.
Items recovered from them include a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop. The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.
In another operation, the Divisional Police Officer of Issele-Uku Division led a joint team of anti-cult officers, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives on a cordon-and-search exercise around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku.
The operation, conducted on September 15 after intelligence reports, resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists.
Police also recovered two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges during the raid. Investigators are working to uncover other members of the suspected group.
In a separate development, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit intercepted a Toyota Sienna travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State after receiving intelligence that it was transporting suspected illicit drugs and military items.
The vehicle, driven by 45-year-old Isaac Urji from Abia State, was stopped along the route in the early hours of September 18.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.
The driver was arrested, while detectives have begun investigations to identify the source of the items, their intended destination and other persons connected with the consignment.
Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes in the state.
He said the police would continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information, assuring them that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.